Edible Nature's Creepy-Crawlies: Cicadas
In the Eastern United States, Brood X cicadas have made a long-awaited appearance for the first time in 17 years. Known for their large numbers, these insects are not only a natural phenomenon but also an edible, nutritious food source.
Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is not traditionally common in the Eastern US, but it has gained some interest recently as a sustainable protein alternative. Cicadas, in particular, are often compared to crickets in terms of nutritional value, being high in protein and low in fat.
However, consuming cicadas requires some precautions to ensure safety. Dietitian Beth Czerwony provides valuable information on this matter.
- Identification: Make sure you are harvesting Brood X cicadas, not other potentially harmful insects.
- Collection: Collect cicadas from areas that have not been chemically treated to reduce exposure to pesticides or toxins.
- Cleaning and Cooking: Wash cicadas well and cook them thoroughly to eliminate pathogens and reduce allergenic risks.
- Allergy Check: People with shellfish allergies should be cautious, as insect proteins can sometimes trigger similar allergic reactions.
- Exoskeleton Removal: The hard exoskeleton can be difficult to digest; many prefer to remove wings and legs or grind the insects into powders.
Experts suggest gathering tenerals - cicadas that have just molted - for the best taste and tenderness. Tenerals are easier to find in areas littered with already-shed exoskeletons. It's also important to note that cicadas lose muscle mass as they age, making older cicadas less desirable for consumption.
While entomophagy is common in many parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa, it remains a niche and emerging practice in the Eastern US, mostly linked to novelty or sustainable food interest rather than tradition. Despite this, Brood X cicadas offer a unique opportunity to explore a new food source while also contributing to a more sustainable food system.
However, pregnant or lactating individuals, young children, those at risk for gout, and people who are allergic to shellfish should avoid eating cicadas. Additionally, cicadas may cause gout flare-ups for those who have struggled with gout in the past.
The best times to find tenerals are late at night or early in the morning. The most humane way to collect cicadas is to collect them in a paper baggie and then freeze them for 30 minutes before preparation.
As Brood X cicadas continue to emerge, it's an exciting time to explore this unique food source. Just remember to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety and enjoy the nutty flavour and shrimp-like quality of these fascinating insects.
- Cicadas, like crickets, are high in protein and low in fat, making them a nutritious food source and a sustainable protein alternative.
- To ensure safety, it's crucial to identify Brood X cicadas, collect them from areas untreated with chemicals, clean them well, cook them thoroughly, remove the hard exoskeleton, and be cautious for allergy risks if one has a shellfish allergy.
- While entomophagy is not traditional in the Eastern US, Brood X cicadas offer a unique opportunity to explore a new food source, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
- To find tenerals for the best taste and tenderness, experts suggest looking in areas littered with already-shed exoskeletons during late night or early morning hours, and collecting them humanely by freezing them for 30 minutes before preparation.
